51-year-old man killed in crash involving 2 Hialeah police officers

Officers listed in stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital

HIALEAH, Fla. – A 51-year-old man was killed Tuesday night in a crash involving two Hialeah police officers, authorities said.

Hialeah police identified the victim Wednesday as Orestes Amador Jr, who Miami-Dade County Public Schools officials confirmed was a teacher at Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH).

"The City of Hialeah Police Department extends its deepest heartfelt condolences to all those affected by last night's unfortunate crash," Hialeah police Sgt. Eddie Rodriguez said in an email. 

According to Rodriguez, a Hialeah police unit and a black Volkswagen Passat collided about 7 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of East Fifth Avenue and Hialeah Drive.

"It was like an explosion -- like something terrible," car wash owner Eduardo Valdez said. 

Valdez told Local 10 News that he could hear the crash from inside his business. Surveillance video from his business shows a dark-colored car passing cars on Hialeah Drive shortly before the crash.  

Police said Amador was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two police officers, identified as Officer Ernesto Del Valle and Officer Daniel Garcia-Muniz, were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition.

Rodriguez said the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office responded to the scene of the crash and is monitoring the investigation, as per protocol. 

It's unclear who was at fault in the crash, but detectives are expected to review surveillance video from nearby businesses.

Rodriguez said the investigation remains open and no further details will be released at this time. 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.